Job Purpose
Assist teacher in executing learning activities of children according to the general guidelines of developmentally appropriate practice.
Qualifications
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds
- Must be capable of bending, crouching or kneeling to children's level
- Must be able to reach at and above shoulder height
- Must be capable of frequent changes of positions throughout the work shift
- Must have a high school diploma or general education degree
- Must have appropriate patience and demeanor to work with multiple children in one setting
Functional/Technical Requirements
- Be familiar with centerwide policies and procedures
- Assist in teacher lead activities. Teachers are responsible for creating and implementing activities. Assistants are responsible for assisting in these activities as directed by teacher
- Work cooperatively with teacher to develop developmentally appropriate activities for assigned children
- Participate in staff development activities and staff meetings as required by the Director
- Assist children with feeding, toileting and personal care as directed by teacher
- Assist with meal and snack preparation and clean up after meals as directed by teacher
- Assist with required paperwork as directed by teacher and procare
- Supervise children's activities, including participating in group activities, enforcing safety practices, and intervening in a positive manner when children are likely to injure themselves or others
- Assist children individually who are experiencing difficulty with the provided activity
- Prepare supplies and the classroom to encourage positive educational experiences as directed by teacher
- Maintain an orderly and sanitized environment for children as directed by teacher
- Identify and remove potential hazards in the classroom and playground environment
- Encourage children to participate in teacher created activities and foster independence in activities children are completing
- Complete additional responsibilities as directed by teacher, Director, and/or Assistant Director
- Communicate with your Lead/Co-Lead.
- Learn basic procare
- Help with portfolios as needed
- Attend parent meetings
- Facilitate parental of a developmental approach to early childhood education and offer advice on dealing with specific issues when asked
- Track progress for each child through directed means
Administrative
- Maintain professional qualifications/certificates
- Maintain accurate records of children in your care (meals, attendance, etc.)
- Fill out incident reports and accident reports on children immediately so parents are aware of the incident. Inform the Director of incidents as well.
- Submit lesson plans to the Director in a timely manner.
- Notify the Director in a time manner regarding need for supplies and other classroom provisions.
Classroom and Playground Environments
- Review and model rules for all children in the classroom environment, gym and playground.
- Orient and supervise aides, assistants and volunteers regarding the classroom and playground materials, equipment and rules.
- Create and maintain environments that provide choices and variety that are appropriate to children's developmental potential.
- Create displays of children's art and work that is relevant to activities being done in the classroom. Keep the classroom decorations appropriate to the season and follow a non-biased curriculum approach.
- Provide for care and proper use of furniture, equipment and materials
- Keep the classroom clean and orderly, working with children as they learn appropriate behaviors.
- Ensure all bulletin boards are up to date and frequently changed
- Conserve materials when possible
- Report and remove potential hazards
- Ensure that all materials are put away before leaving for the day
- Create and maintain a nurturing and positive environment to promote children's self-esteem
- Treat children with the same respect you expect to receive.
*This list is not all inclusive and may be modified by the Director at any time.*
Compensation
• $12-$14/hour, based on experience
